I'd like at this point in time to call the meeting to order. On behalf of the committee, I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone here. Bienvenue à tous.
Ladies and gentlemen, this meeting of the public accounts committee has been called pursuant to the Standing Orders to deal with chapter 5, “Surveillance of Infectious Diseases—Public Health Agency of Canada”, of the May 2008 report of the Auditor General of Canada.
The committee's very pleased to have with us today, from the Office of the Auditor General, the assistant auditor, Mr. Neil Maxwell, and he's accompanied by Madame Louise Dubé, the principal.
From the Public Health Agency we have Dr. David Butler-Jones, who is the accounting officer and the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. He's accompanied by Dr. Gregory Taylor, director general, Office of Public Health Practice; and Dr. Danielle Grondin, acting assistant deputy minister, Infectious Disease and Emergency Preparedness Branch.
Again, I want to extend to everyone a warm welcome and thank you for being here.
We are going to hear from Mr. Maxwell.
Mr. Maxwell, your opening remarks.